If France are to succeed at the World Cup, they’ll have to progress from a group including Peru, Denmark and Australia first and if both Mbappé and Dembélé are on song in Russia, it’s hard to see any other outcome than progression for Les Bleus.

Following Friday night’s win against Italy, Mbappé told SFR Sport: “For me, Ousmane Dembélé is the best young player in the world.”

Dembélé had moved to Spain from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £135.5m, making him the second most expensive player in world football with Neymar’s move to Paris Saint-Germain (£200m) separating the transfer from the top spot.

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Despite Mbappé’s high praise, reports suggest Barcelona would be willing to loan Dembélé next season after a slow start at the Nou Camp due to injury, with Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool said to be interested in signing the Frenchman.

However, with the chances of the Barça-man lighting up the World Cup being extremely high, thanks to his recent development in friendship with Mbappé, it’s unlikely Ernesto Valverde would be willing to allow any exit for Dembélé, even if it’s only a loan.